Serena Williams withdrew from her Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus Williams on Saturday after a right knee injury left her unable to compete.
The 44-year-old announced the decision in an Instagram post, days after hurting her knee during a three-set singles loss.
“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” Serena wrote. “Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside @venuswilliams once more meant the world to me.”
Serena said she pushed to recover in time for the first-round match but could not get her knee ready.
“I did everything I could but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete,” she added.
Her post included a photo of four syringes, which Serena said showed “the fluid they drained from my knee after my singles match.” A video also showed her walking with a strap along her right leg, while one of her daughters appeared to carry a cane for her.
Serena lost Tuesday to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Her doubles match with Venus, 46, had been delayed to give her more time to recover.
The sisters were scheduled to face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. Serena and Venus have won six Wimbledon women’s doubles titles together.
Venus also played mixed doubles Friday with Kevin Krawietz, losing in straight sets.
